During a special meeting held August 6, the Duluth School Board and community received an update on planning for the beginning of the school year. Information included:

• New local COVID data, which shows a numbers increase
• Presentation from St. Louis County Public Health
• Feedback received from teachers, staff and families
• Meetings held with principals and teachers
• Meetings held with district department and program heads

   Participants included Amy Westerbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director; Ethan Fisher, President of the Duluth Federation of Teachers; Duluth Principals Danette Seboe, Brian Kazmierczak, Nathan Glockle, Jim Erickson, department and program heads and others.

  The Board approved planning for a hybrid model for elementary, middle and high schools for the beginning of the school year. The hybrid model combines part-time in person and enhanced distance learning, meaning fewer students on buses and in schools.  Families can choose all enhanced distance learning for their students instead of hybrid if they wish. 

  To ensure students are ready to take part in the hybrid model, planning includes having students spend the first nine days of school in enhanced distance learning as they take part in welcome activities with their teachers and fellow students, train on Canvas and SeeSaw digital classroom platforms, COVID safety protocols, learn internet safety strategies, expectations and other preparatory activities.

   The district will continue to monitor local COVID level updates and be prepared to switch models during the year should numbers significantly increase or decrease.  

   “We encourage everyone in our Duluth community to work together to decrease COVID numbers so children have an opportunity to go to school in person, full time, as soon as possible. That’s best for students educationally,” said Superintendent Magas.

   Duluth schools are preparing to be flexible for whatever situation may arise.  It’s a big job for everyone, families included, and we appreciate all the work being done by our teachers, principals, department heads and staff.

   We also understand the need for families and staff to know what to expect and to have as much information as possible, as soon as possible. 

   “Our principals and departments are working in consultation with teacher leaders regarding the school day when students are in the school building and when they’re learning at home,” said Superintendent Magas.  “We’ll continue to update staff and families regularly with that information, we appreciate their patience and support.”

   Duluth families are being asked to complete a back to school form to help inform planning. They’ll be asked about intent to participate in hybrid or enhanced distance learning, use of district transportation and signing up to receive technology support, among others. 

   It’s important that every family complete the form for each student.  This is data that will help staff buildings, distribute technology, plan transportation and much more.

   The form will be available at ISD709.org/ReturnToLearn beginning no later than August 10.  Hard copies will be available at summer meal sites.  School and district staff will be reaching out to families who may not have access to the survey online.

   School reopening planning updates are posted at www.ISD709.org/ReturnToLearn.